Methods and apparatus for a wireless access point converter

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a first port and a second port operably coupled to a format conversion module each of which is at least partially disposed within a housing. The first port is operably coupled to a cable configured to transfer a first data unit having a first format associated with a first communication medium to the first port. The format conversion module receives the first data unit from the first port and converts the first data unit from the first format to a second format associated with a second communication medium to produce a second data unit. The second port is operably coupled to a wireless access point that is physically distinct from the housing. The second port is configured to receive the second data unit and send the second data unit to the wireless access point.

BACKGROUND

Some embodiments described herein relate generally to wireless accesspoints. More specifically, some embodiments described herein relate toconverters for use with wireless access points.

More and more networks are established via wireless communication. Insome instances, local area networks (LAN) can include a wireless accesspoint configured to connect wireless communication devices with otherportions of a wireless local area network (WLAN). In some instances, itcan be desirable to use a wireless access point (WAP) in an outdoorenvironment to extend, for example, a range of a wireless network. Theuse of WAPs in an outdoor environment, however, can present challengessuch as supplying power. For example, some known outdoor wireless accesspoints are plugged into a wall outlet and or have an extension cord runto the wireless access point to provide power. In such instances, theplacement of the wireless access point can be limited. In other knowninstances, the compatibility of an outdoor WAP with existingtransmission media included in the rest of the wired network can limitthe modes of transmission.

Thus, a need exists for methods and apparatus for providing power andtransmission media to, for example, an outdoor wireless access point.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and methods described herein relate to converters for use inconjunction with wireless access points. In some embodiments, anapparatus includes a first port, a second port, and a format conversionmodule at least partially disposed within a housing. The first port isconfigured to be operably coupled to a cable having a firstcommunication medium such that the first port can receive, via thecable, a first data unit having a first format associated with the firstcommunication medium. The format conversion module is operably coupledto the first port such that the format conversion module can receive thefirst data unit from the first port. The format conversion module isconfigured to convert the first data unit from the first format to asecond format associated with a second communication medium to produce asecond data unit. The second port is operably coupled to the formatconversion module and configured to be operably coupled to a wirelessaccess point that is physically distinct from the housing. The secondport is configured to receive the second data unit from the formatconversion module and send the second data unit to the wireless accesspoint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a conversion device operablycoupled to a wireless access point according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a conversion device according toan embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for using a conversiondevice with a wireless access point according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first port, a second port,and a format conversion module at least partially disposed within ahousing. The first port is configured to be operably coupled to a cablehaving a first communication medium such that the first port canreceive, via the cable, a first data unit having a first formatassociated with the first communication medium. The format conversionmodule is operably coupled to the first port such that the formatconversion module can receive the first data unit from the first port.The format conversion module is configured to convert the first dataunit from the first format to a second format associated with a secondcommunication medium to produce a second data unit. The second port isoperably coupled to the format conversion module and configured to beoperably coupled to a wireless access point that is physically distinctfrom the housing. The second port is configured to receive the seconddata unit from the format conversion module and send the second dataunit to the wireless access point.

In some embodiments, a format conversion module includes a first portand a second port. The first port is configured to be operably coupledto a cable having a first communication medium and the second port isconfigured to be operably coupled to a cable having a secondcommunication medium. The format conversion module is configured toreceive, from the first port, a data unit in a first format associatedwith the first communication media and is configured to convert the dataunit in the first format into a first data unit in a third format. Theformat conversion module is also configured to receive, from the secondport, a data unit in a second format associated with the secondcommunication module and convert the data unit in the second format intoa second data unit in the third format. The format conversion module isfurther configured to send the first data unit in the third format andthe second data unit in the third format to a wireless access point.

In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, from a first portoperably coupled to a cable having a first communication medium, a dataunit in a first format associated with the first communication medium.The method further includes receiving, from a second port operablycoupled to a cable having a second communication medium, a data unit ina second format associated with the second communication medium. Themethod includes a format conversion module defining, based on the dataunit in the first format, a first data unit in a third format associatedwith a third communication medium and defining, based on the data unitin the second format, a second data unit in the third format. The methodincludes sending the first data unit in the third format and the seconddata unit in the third format to a wireless access point such that thewireless access point transmits the first data unit in the third formatand the second data unit in the third format.

As used in this specification, a “data unit” refers to any suitableportion of data. For example, data unit can refer to a data packet, adata cell, or a data frame such as, information that is delivered as aunit among peer entities of a network and that may contain controlinformation, such as address information, or user data.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, the term “a module” is intended to mean a single module or acombination of modules.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an electronic system 100 accordingto an embodiment. The electronic system 100 includes a conversion device110 and a wireless access point (WAP) 150. The conversion device 110includes at least a format conversion module 120, a backend port 140, aWAP port 130, and a power input 135, each of which is at least partiallydisposed within a housing 111. The housing 111 can be any suitable shapesize or configuration. For example, the housing 111 can be anenvironmentally protected housing. Moreover, the housing 111 can be suchthat the conversion device 110 is physically distinct from a housing ofthe WAP 150, as further described herein.

In some embodiments, the conversion device 110 is an electronic devicethat can include, for example, one or more printed circuit boards (orline cards) and has at least a processor and a memory (not shown in FIG.1). The one or more printed circuit boards can place the formatconversion module 120, the backend port 140, the WAP port 130, and thepower input 135 in electrical communication, as further describedherein. The power input 135 can be any suitable power input configuredto receive a flow of current (e.g., alternating current (AC)) to supplyelectrical power to the conversion device 110.

The backend port 140 can be any suitable port (e.g., a transceiver) thatcan be operably coupled to a first cable (not shown in FIG. 1).Similarly stated, the backend port 140 can receive a connection portionof the first cable to at least electronically couple the backend port140 to the first cable. The first cable can have a first communicationmedium configured to deliver a first data unit in a first format (e.g.,associated with the first communication medium). For example, in someembodiments, the first communication medium can be an optical fibermedium, a coaxial cable medium, a digital subscriber line (DSL) medium,an Ethernet medium, or any other suitable communication medium. In thismanner, the first format can include, for example, a header, anencapsulation, a transmission mode, etc. that can be associated with aspecific communication medium. For example, in embodiments where thefirst communication medium is a cable medium, the first data unit in thefirst format can be a data over cable service interface specification(DOCSIS) frame format.

As described above, the format conversion module 120 is in electroniccommunication with the backend port 140 such that the format conversionmodule 120 can receive data units including a first data unit in thefirst format from the backend port 140. Moreover, the format conversionmodule 120 can include (or at least be operably coupled to) a processorand a memory (not shown in FIG. 1). For example, in some embodiments,the format conversion module 120 can be a cable modem, a DSL modem, orthe like. In this manner, the format conversion module 120 can convertthe first data unit in the first format into a second data unit in asecond format, as further described herein.

The WAP port 130 can be any suitable port (e.g., a transceiver) that canbe operably coupled to a second cable (not shown in FIG. 1). Forexample, the WAP port 130 can receive a connection port of the secondcable to at least electronically couple the WAP port 130 to the secondcable. The WAP port 130 is also operably coupled to the formatconversion module 120 (as described above) and the wireless access point150 (e.g., via the second cable). In this manner, the WAP port 130 andthe second cable can collectively place the wireless access point 150 inelectrical communication with the format conversion module 120, asfurther described herein.

The WAP port 130 can be configured to receive data units including thesecond data unit in the second format from the format conversion module120. Expanding further, the second cable can have a second communicationmedium that corresponds to the second format such that the WAP port 130can transmit the second data unit in the second format to the secondcable. For example, in some embodiments, the second communication mediumcan be an Ethernet medium. In some embodiments, the second communicationmedium can include power over Ethernet (PoE), as further describedherein. In this manner, the format of the second data unit (i.e., thesecond format) can be an Ethernet frame, such as Ethernet II.

The wireless access point (WAP) 150 includes a housing 151, atransceiver 160 and a conversion device port 170 configured to operablycouple the WAP 150 to the conversion device 110, as described in furtherdetail herein. The housing 151 is configured to enclose (i.e., house) atleast a portion of the transceiver 160 and the conversion device port170. The housing 151 can be any suitable shape, size, or configurationand is configured to be physically distinct from the housing 111 of theconversion device 110. Similarly stated, the WAP 150 is physicallyindependent of the conversion device 110. In some embodiments, thephysical separation of the WAP 150 from the conversion device 110 can besuch that the form factor (i.e., the housing 151) of the WAP 150 can bemaintained within a desired size. For example, in some embodiments, arelatively small form factor associated with the WAP 150 can facilitateinstallation of the WAP 150 (e.g., can make mounting the WAP 150 easierthan a WAP of larger size). In some embodiments, the physical separationof the WAP 150 from the conversion device 110 can substantially reduce alevel of electromagnetic interference that would otherwise beexperienced by the WAP 150.

In some embodiments, the WAP 150 is an electronic device that caninclude, for example, one or more printed circuit boards and has atleast a processor and a memory (not shown in FIG. 1). The one or moreprinted circuit boards can place the transceiver 160 in electricalcommunication with the conversion device port 170. The conversion deviceport 170 can be any suitable port (e.g., a transceiver port) that can beoperably coupled to the second cable. In this manner, the conversiondevice port 170 of the WAP 150 is in electrical communication with theWAP port 130 of the conversion device 110 and can receive the seconddata unit in the second format, as further described herein. In someembodiments, the conversion device port 170 can also include and/or beoperably coupled to a power module disposed within the housing 151 ofthe WAP 150 (not shown in FIG. 1). In such embodiments, the second cablecan be configured to transmit an electrical current (e.g., DC power) toWAP 150. For example, in some embodiments, the second communicationmedium of the second cable can include power over Ethernet (PoE) suchthat the WAP 150 need not be plugged into, for example, an ACreceptacle. In other embodiments, the conversion device port 170 neednot include (or need not be operably coupled to) a power module.

The transceiver 160 can be any suitable device configured to transmitand/or receive a radio signal (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wirelesscommunication standard) to connect a wireless client device to a wirednetwork (e.g., a wired network that can include at least the WAP 150,the conversion device 110, and other electronic devices connectedthereto). A wireless client device can be, for example, any device thatcan receive data packets (e.g., data units) from and/or send datapackets to the WAP 150 through a wireless connection, such as, forexample, a mobile phone, a Wi-Fi enabled laptop, a personal computer(PC), a tablet, a Bluetooth enabled device, etc.

The conversion device port 170 of the WAP 150 can receive the seconddata unit in the second format from the WAP port 130 of the conversiondevice 110 (via the second cable) and transmit the second data unit inthe second format to the transceiver 160. In this manner, thetransceiver 160 can broadcast the second data unit to any suitablewireless client device that is in range of the radio signal (e.g.,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). In some embodiments, the wireless client devicecan be configured to transmit data units such as a third data unit tothe WAP 150 such that the WAP port 130 of the conversion device 110 canreceive the third data unit in the second format. In such embodiments,the format conversion module 120 can receive the third data unit in thesecond format from the WAP port 130 and convert the third data unit fromthe second format to the first format to produce a fourth data unit inthe first format. In this manner, the backend port 140 can receive thefourth data unit in the first format and transmit the fourth data unitto the first cable (not shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a conversion device 210 accordingto an embodiment. The conversion device 210 includes a processor 220, amemory 240, an Ethernet WAP port 230, a power input 250, a cable port255, a digital subscriber line (DSL) port 260, an optical fiber port265, and an Ethernet backend port 270 each of which is at leastpartially disposed within a housing 211 of the conversion device 210.More specifically, the conversion device 210 is an electronic devicethat can include, for example, one or more printed circuit boards (orline cards) that can place the processor 220, the memory 240, theEthernet WAP port 230, the power input 250, the cable port 255, the DSLport 260, the optical fiber port 265, and the Ethernet backend port 270in electrical communication, as further described herein. The powerinput 250 can be any suitable power input configured to receive a flowof current (e.g., alternating current (AC)) to supply electrical powerto the conversion device 210.

While the conversion device 210 is described above as including thecable port 255, the digital subscriber line (DSL) port 260, the opticalfiber port 265, and the Ethernet backend port 270, in other embodiments,any of the ports can be optional. For example, in some embodiments, aconversion device includes a cable port. In some embodiments, aconversion device can include a cable port and a DSL port. In otherembodiments, a conversion device can include a cable port, a DSL port,and an optical fiber port. In still embodiments, a conversion device caninclude any arrangement of the ports described above.

The cable port 255 can be any suitable port (e.g., a transceiver port)that can be operably coupled to a first cable (not shown in FIG. 2).More specifically, the cable port 255 can be physically and electricallycoupled to, for example, a coaxial (coax) cable. Similarly stated, thecable port 255 can receive a connection portion (e.g., typically a malecoax connector) of the coax cable to at least electronically couple thecable port 255 to the coax cable. The coax cable can be configured tosend and receive data units including a data unit in a first format thatis associated with the coax cable communication medium. For example, insome embodiments, the coax cable can be configured to send and receivedata units to and from, respectively, the cable port 255 that caninclude a data unit in a DOCSIS frame format (e.g., the first format).

The DSL port 260 can be any suitable port (e.g., a transceiver port)that can be operably coupled to a second cable (not shown in FIG. 2).More specifically, the DSL port 260 can be physically and electricallycoupled to a DSL cable. Similarly stated, the DSL port 260 can receive aconnection portion (e.g., RJ-45, universal serial bus (USB), firewire,or the like) of the DSL cable to at least electronically couple the DSLport 260 to the DSL cable. The DSL cable can be configured to send andreceive data units including a data unit in a second format associatedwith the DSL cable communication medium. For example, in someembodiments, the DSL cable can be configured to send and receive dataunits to and from, respectively, the DSL port 260 that can include adata unit in an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) cell format (e.g., thesecond format).

The optical fiber port 265 can be any suitable port (e.g., an opticaltransceiver port) that can be operably coupled to a third cable (notshown in FIG. 2). More specifically, the optical fiber port 265 can bephysically and electrically coupled to an optical fiber cable. Similarlystated, the optical fiber port 265 can receive a connection portion(e.g., Lucent Connector (LC), Mechanical Transfer (MT), SubscriberConnector (SC), or the like) of the optic fiber cable to at leastelectronically couple the optical fiber port 265 to the optical fibercable. The optical fiber cable can be configured to send and receivedata units including a data unit in a third format associated with theoptical fiber cable communication medium. For example, in someembodiments, the optical fiber cable can be configured to send andreceive data units to and from, respectively, the optical fiber port 265that can include a data unit in, for example, a pulse code modulationformat (e.g., the third format).

The Ethernet backend port 270 can be any suitable port (e.g., atransceiver port) that can be operably coupled to a fourth cable (notshown in FIG. 2). More specifically, the Ethernet backend port 270 canbe physically and electrically coupled to an Ethernet cable. Similarlystated, the Ethernet backend port 270 can receive a connection portion(e.g., RJ-45 or the like) of the Ethernet cable to at leastelectronically couple the Ethernet backend port 270 to the Ethernetcable. The Ethernet cable can be configured to send and receive dataunits including a data unit in a fourth format associated with theEthernet cable communication medium. For example, in some embodiments,the Ethernet cable can be configured to send and receive data units toand from, respectively, the Ethernet backend port 270 that can include adata unit in an Ethernet frame format (e.g., the fourth format).

The Ethernet WAP port 230 can be any suitable port (e.g., a transceiverport) that can be operably coupled to a fifth cable (not shown in FIG.2). More specifically, the Ethernet WAP port 230 can be physically andelectrically coupled to an Ethernet cable. Similarly stated, theEthernet WAP port 230 can receive a connection portion (e.g., RJ-45 orthe like) of the Ethernet cable to at least electronically couple theEthernet WAP port 230 to the Ethernet cable. Moreover, a second end ofthe Ethernet cable (not shown in FIG. 2) can be operably coupled to aWAP (not shown in FIG. 2). In this manner, the WAP (such as described inreference to FIG. 1) can be in electrical communication with theconversion device 210 while being physically isolated from theconversion device 210, as further described herein.

The Ethernet WAP port 230 can receive data units including a data unitin a fifth format (e.g., associated with the Ethernet cablecommunication medium) from the format conversion module 221, as furtherdescribed herein. In some embodiments, the fifth format can besubstantially similar to the fourth format associated with the Ethernetbackend port 270 (e.g., the Ethernet frame format). In some embodiments,the fifth format can be associated with an Ethernet cable communicationmedium configured to provide power over Ethernet (PoE), as furtherdescribed herein.

The memory 240 included in the conversion device 210 can be, forexample, a random access memory (RAM), a memory buffer, a hard drive, aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory(EPROM), and/or so forth. In some embodiments, the memory 240 includes aset of instructions to cause the processor 220 to execute modules,processes and/or functions used to convert a format of a data unit, asfurther described herein.

The processor 220 can be any suitable processor such as, for example, ageneral purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a networkprocessor, a front end processor, and/or the like. As such, theprocessor 220 is configured to perform a set of instructions stored inthe memory 240. For example, the processor 220 can receive a data unitin a first format and convert the data unit to a second format. Theprocessor 220 can be configured to execute specific modules and/orsub-modules that can be, for example, hardware modules, software modulesstored in the memory 240 and executed in the processor 220, and/or anycombination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 2, the processor 220 includes a format conversionmodule 221 that includes a cable conversion sub-module 222, a DSLconversion sub-module 224, an optical fiber conversion sub-module 226,and a power over Ethernet (PoE) sub-module 228, The format conversionmodule 221 can receive a signal associated with a data unit in a givenformat (e.g., the first, second, third, or fourth format describedabove) and convert the data unit to a desired format (e.g., the fifthformat) such that the data unit can be delivered to the Ethernet WAPport 230 in the desired format. For example, in some embodiments, theformat conversion module 221 can be at least a portion of a modemconfigured to receive a data unit in a given format (described above)and convert the data unit to a desired format (e.g., the fifth format).

In some embodiments, the format conversion module 221 can receive asignal of a data unit in a format associated with the cable port 255,the DSL port 260, the optical fiber port 265, and/or the Ethernetbackend port 270. In such embodiments, the format conversion module 221can route the data unit in the given format to a sub-module associatedwith the given format. For example, in some embodiments, the formatconversion module 221 can receive a signal associated with a data unitin the first format (e.g., a DOCSIS frame format or the like) from thecable port 255 and route the signal to the cable conversion sub-module222. In this manner, the cable conversion sub-module 222 can execute aset of instructions (e.g., stored in the memory 240) to convert the dataunit from the first format to the fifth format. For example, in someembodiments, the converting can include changing one or more of aheader, an encapsulation, a transmission mode, a frequency, or othersuitable data unit characteristic. In this manner, the cable conversionsub-module 222 can convert the data unit from the first formatassociated with the coax cable communication medium to the fifth formatassociated with the PoE communication medium.

In some embodiments, the format conversion module 221 can receive asignal associated with a data unit in the second format (e.g., an ATMcell format or the like) from the DSL port 260 and route the signal tothe DSL conversion sub-module 224. In this manner, the DSL conversionsub-module 224 can execute a set of instructions to convert the dataunit from the second format to the fifth format. More specifically, theDSL conversion sub-module 224 can convert the data unit from the secondformat associated with the DSL cable communication medium to the fifthformat associated with the PoE communication medium.

In some embodiments, the format conversion module 221 can receive asignal associated with a data unit in the third format (e.g., apulse-code modulation (PCM) format such as non-return-to-zero orreturn-to-zero) from the optical fiber port 265 and route the signal tothe optical fiber conversion sub-module 226. In this manner, the opticalfiber conversion sub-module 226 can execute a set of instructions toconvert the data unit from the third format (e.g., associated with theoptical fiber cable communication medium) to the fifth format (e.g.,associated with the PoE communication medium).

While not shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the format conversionmodule 221 can include an Ethernet conversion sub-module that canreceive a signal from the Ethernet port 270. In such embodiments, theEthernet conversion sub-module can convert a data unit from the fourthformat associated with an Ethernet cable communication medium that isnot compatible with PoE to the fifth format associated with the Ethernetcable communication medium that is compatible with PoE. In otherembodiments, conversion is not needed for the data unit in the fourthformat (e.g., the fourth format is compatible with PoE).

The power over Ethernet sub-module 228 is configured to send an electriccurrent (e.g., DC power) to the Ethernet WAP module 230 such that theEthernet cable coupled thereto can transfer the electric current to theWAP (described above). Expanding further, the power over Ethernetsub-module 228 can convert a portion of the AC electrical power suppliedto the conversion device 210 (e.g., via an electrical outlet and powercord) to DC electrical power that can be sent to the Ethernet WAP port230. In this manner, the conversion device 210 and more specifically,the PoE sub-module 228 can provide a sufficient amount of electricalcurrent (e.g., DC power) to continuously power the WAP. Morespecifically, the PoE sub-module 228 can provide a flow of DC electricalpower to the Ethernet WAP port 230 such that the DC electrical power canbe delivered to the WAP via the PoE capable Ethernet cable. In someembodiments, the PoE sub-module 228 and/or the WAP can include a “wake”function such that the PoE sub-module 228 supplies power when needed anddoes not supply power when not needed.

While not shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the format conversionmodule 221 can include any other module configured to limit or directbandwidth usage. For example, in some embodiments, the format conversionmodule 221 can include a module configured to execute a set ofinstructions (e.g., stored in the memory 240) that can allocate aportion of an available bandwidth to a specific port. In suchembodiments, the format conversion module 221 can allocate the availablebandwidth based on a flow control or fairness algorithm. In someembodiments, the format conversion module 221 can be configured toreceive an indicator associated with a data unit that can dictate orindicate a priority level of the data unit. For example, in someembodiments, a data unit can include an indicator associated with a highlevel of priority. In this manner, the format conversion module 221 canreceive the data unit and can convert the data unit (e.g., from thefirst, second, third, or fourth format, to the fifth format) before adata unit including an indicator associated with a lower priority level.

In some embodiments, the format conversion module 221 can allocate theavailable bandwidth based on a set of user preferences. In someembodiments, the format conversion module 221 can be configured toexecute a set of instructions associated with buffering data unitsaccording to an available bandwidth of the Ethernet WAP port 230. Forexample, in some embodiments, buffering can include storing data unitsin the memory 240 until Ethernet WAP has sufficient bandwidth.

In use, the format conversion module 221 can receive a signal associatedwith a data unit in any of the first format, the second format, thethird format, and/or the fourth format. The format conversion module 221can be configured to route the signal to the corresponding conversionsub-module (e.g., the cable conversion sub-module 222, the DSLconversion sub-module 224, or the optical fiber sub-module 226,respectively) such that the data unit can be converted (e.g., bychanging one or more of a header, an encapsulation, a transmission mode,a frequency, or other suitable data unit characteristic) to the fifthformat and delivered to the Ethernet WAP port 230. In this manner, theEthernet WAP port 230 can send a signal associated with the data unit inthe fifth format to the WAP (not shown in FIG. 2) via the PoE compatibleEthernet cable. Thus, the WAP can receive a supply of DC electricalpower (e.g., via the PoE sub-module 228) and the signal associated withthe data unit in the fifth format. The WAP can be configured totransmit, for example, a radio signal associated with the data unit inthe fifth format to a wireless client device (as described above withreference to the WAP 150 shown in FIG. 1).

The arrangement of the WAP and the conversion device 210 is such thatthe WAP can be connected to a wired network that can include anysuitable communication medium without the WAP having multiple portsassociated with the communication medium. Similarly stated, thearrangement of the WAP and the conversion device 210 can be such thatthe WAP can have only an Ethernet port and can connect to a wirednetwork using different communication mediums via the conversion device210. In this manner, a legacy WAP can be used in conjunction with awired network that can include communication mediums other than, forexample, Ethernet. Moreover, by having a single port (e.g., theconversion device port 170 shown in FIG. 1) the form factor of the WAPcan maintain a desired size and existing functionality.

In some embodiments, the WAP can send a signal associated with a seconddata unit in the fifth format to the Ethernet WAP port 230. In suchembodiments, the Ethernet WAP port 230 can send a signal associated withthe second data unit in the fifth format to the format conversion module221 such that the cable conversion module 222, the DSL conversion module224, or the optical fiber conversion module 226 can convert the seconddata unit in the fifth format to the first, second, or third format,respectively. Expanding further, the second data unit can include anindicator (e.g., instructions, a header, or the like) configured todictate or indicate the format into which the second data unit is to beconverted.

Thus, the second data unit can be sent to the cable port 255, the DSLport 260, or the optical fiber port 265 according to the convertedformat of the second data unit (e.g., the first format, second format,or third format, respectively). In some embodiments, the formatconversion module 221 can be configured to deliver the data unit in thefifth format to the Ethernet backend port 270. In other embodiments, theformat conversion module 221 can include the Ethernet conversion module(described above) that can receive the signal associated with the seconddata unit in the fifth format and can convert the second data unit inthe fifth format to the fourth format. In such embodiments, the formatconversion module 221 can send a signal associated with the second dataunit in the fourth format to the Ethernet backend port 270.

In some embodiments, the conversion device 210 can be configured toexecute a set of instructions based on a user preference. For example,in some embodiments, a user can monitor and/or reconfigure theconversion device 210 according to a desired preference associated with,for example, allocating bandwidth. In some embodiments, the conversiondevice 210 can include any suitable input device such that the user caninput a set of user preferences. In other embodiments, the user can usea wired network device or a wireless network device (e.g., a personalcomputer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like) to input a setof user preferences. In such embodiments, the wired or wireless networkdevice can include a personal computer application, a tabletapplication, a smartphone application, or the like. In otherembodiments, the user can monitor and/or reconfigure the conversiondevice 210 while not connected to the network (e.g., via the internet).

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 for using a conversiondevice in conjunction with a wireless access point, according to anembodiment. The method 300 includes receiving a data unit in a firstformat from a first port included in the conversion device, at 302. Forexample, in some embodiments, a format conversion module (e.g., theformat conversion module 120 of FIG. 1) can receive the data unit in thefirst format from the first port. The first port can be operably coupledto a cable having a first communication medium such that the firstformat is associated the first communication medium.

At 304, a data unit in a second format, different from the first format,is received from a second port. In some embodiments, the formatconversion module can receive the data unit in the second format. Inother embodiments, any suitable sub-module can receive the data unit inthe second format (e.g., the cable conversion sub-module 222, the DSLconversion module 224, or the optical fiber conversion module 226described above with reference to FIG. 2). The second port can beoperably coupled to a cable having a second communication medium suchthat the second format is associated with the second communicationmedium.

At 306, a first data unit in a third format associated with a thirdcommunication module is defined based on the data unit in the firstformat. For example, the format conversion module can convert the dataunit in the first format to the first data unit in the third format.Similarly, the format conversion module can define, based on the dataunit in the second format, a second data unit in the third format, at308.

At 310, the first data unit in the third format is sent to a wirelessaccess point (WAP) such that the WAP transmits the first data unit inthe third format. For example, in some embodiments, the formatconversion module can send a signal to an Ethernet WAP port (e.g., asdescribed above in reference to FIG. 2). The Ethernet WAP port can beoperably coupled to an Ethernet cable (e.g., the third communicationmedium) such that the Ethernet cable sends the first data unit in thethird format to the WAP. In some embodiments, the Ethernet WAP port andthe Ethernet cable (i.e., the third communication medium) can becompatible with power over Ethernet (PoE) such that the Ethernet cablecan deliver electrical power to the WAP. The WAP can be, for example,similar to the WAP 150 described above in reference to FIG. 1.Similarly, at 312, the second data unit in the third format is sent tothe WAP such that the WAP transmits the second data unit in the thirdformat, at 312.

While the method 300 describes a first port associated with a firstformat and a second port associated with a second format, the conversiondevice can include any number of ports associated with any number ofrespective formats. For example, in some embodiments, the conversiondevice can include three ports, four ports, or more.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a computer storage productwith a non-transitory computer-readable medium (also can be referred toas a non-transitory processor-readable medium) having instructions orcomputer code thereon for performing various computer-implementedoperations. The computer-readable medium (or processor-readable medium)is non-transitory in the sense that it does not include transitorypropagating signals per se (e.g., a propagating electromagnetic wavecarrying information on a transmission medium such as space or a cable).The media and computer code (also can be referred to as code) may bethose designed and constructed for the specific purpose or purposes.Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are notlimited to: magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, andmagnetic tape; optical storage media such as Compact Disc/Digital VideoDiscs (CD/DVDs), Compact Disc-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), andholographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as opticaldisks; carrier wave signal processing modules; and hardware devices thatare specially configured to store and execute program code, such asApplication-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Programmable LogicDevices (PLDs), Read-Only Memory (ROM) and Random-Access Memory (RAM)devices. Other embodiments described herein relate to a computer programproduct, which can include, for example, the instructions and/orcomputer code discussed herein.

Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, micro-code ormicro-instructions, machine instructions, such as produced by acompiler, code used to produce a web service, and files containinghigher-level instructions that are executed by a computer using aninterpreter. For example, embodiments may be implemented usingimperative programming languages (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), functionalprogramming languages (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), logical programminglanguages (e.g., Prolog), object-oriented programming languages (e.g.,Java, C++, etc.) or other suitable programming languages and/ordevelopment tools. Additional examples of computer code include, but arenot limited to, control signals, encrypted code, and compressed code.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Where methods described above indicate certain eventsoccurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may bemodified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performedconcurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performedsequentially as described above. For example, while the method 300 (FIG.3) describes a sequential process of defining the first data unit in thethird format and the second data unit in the third format, in otherembodiments, the defining of the first data unit in the third format andthe defining of the second data unit in the third format can beperformed in parallel.

Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate certaincomponents arranged in certain orientations or positions, thearrangement of components may be modified. Similarly, where methodsand/or events described above indicate certain events and/or proceduresoccurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events and/orprocedures may be modified. While the embodiments have been particularlyshown and described, it will be understood that various changes in formand details may be made.

Although various embodiments have been described as having particularfeatures and/or combinations of components, other embodiments arepossible having a combination of any features and/or components from anyof embodiments as discussed above.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a first porthaving at least a portion disposed within a housing, the first portconfigured to be operably coupled to a cable having a firstcommunication medium, the first port configured to receive via the cablea first data unit having a first communication format associated withthe first communication medium; a processor including a formatconversion module having at least a portion disposed within the housing,the format conversion module operably coupled to the first port, theformat conversion module including a plurality of conversionsub-modules, each conversion sub-module from the plurality of conversionsub-modules configured to convert data of a communication format that isdifferent from a communication format of each remaining sub-modules fromthe plurality of conversion sub-modules, the format conversion moduleconfigured to receive the first data unit from the first port, theformat conversion module configured to convert the first data unit fromthe first communication format to a second communication formatassociated with a second communication medium, using a conversionsub-module from the plurality of conversion sub-modules that isassociated with the first communication format, to produce a second dataunit, the first communication format being a communication formatincompatible with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), and the second format beinga PoE-compatible format; and a second port having at least a portiondisposed within the housing, the second port operably coupled to theformat conversion module, the second port configured to be operablycoupled to a wireless access point (WAP) physically distinct from thehousing, the second port configured to receive the second data unit fromthe format conversion module and send the second data unit to the WAP.2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a third port having atleast a portion disposed within the housing, the third port configuredto be operably coupled to a cable having a third communication mediumdifferent from the first communication medium and the secondcommunication medium, the third port configured to receive via the cablehaving the third communication medium a third data unit having a thirdcommunication format associated with the third communication medium, theformat conversion module operably coupled to the third port, the formatconversion module configured to receive the third data unit from thethird port, the format conversion module configured to convert the thirddata unit to the second communication format to produce a fourth dataunit, the second port configured to receive the fourth data unit fromthe format conversion module and send the fourth data unit to the WAP.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first communication medium isone of an optical fiber medium, a coaxial cable medium, or a digitalsubscriber line (DSL) medium, the second communication medium is anEthernet medium.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second port isconfigured to be operably coupled to the WAP via a cable associated withthe second communication medium.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe second port is configured to provide power to the WAP.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the first communication medium is acoaxial cable medium and the format conversion module includes a cablemodem.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second port isconfigured to receive, from the WAP, a third data unit, the third dataunit having the communication second format, the format conversionmodule configured to receive the third data unit from the second port,the format conversion module configured to covert the third data unitfrom the second communication format to the first communication formatto produce a fourth data unit, the format conversion module configuredto send the fourth data unit to the first port.
 8. An apparatus,comprising: a processor including a format conversion module including aplurality of conversion sub-modules each conversion sub-module from theplurality of conversion sub-modules configured to convert data of acommunication format that is different from a communication format ofeach of the remaining sub-modules from the plurality of conversionsub-modules, the format conversion module configured to be operablycoupled to a cable having a first communication medium via a first port,the format conversion module configured to be operably coupled to acable having a second communication medium via a second port, the formatconversion module configured to receive, from the first port, a dataunit in a first communication format incompatible withPower-over-Ethernet (PoE) and associated with the first communicationmedium, the format conversion module configured to convert the data unitin the first communication format to a first data unit in aPoE-compatible format using a conversion sub-module from the pluralityof conversion sub-modules that is associated with the firstcommunication format, the format conversion module configured toreceive, from the second port, a data unit in a second formatincompatible with PoE and associated with the second communicationmedium, the format conversion module configured to convert the data unitin the second communication format to a second data unit in thePoE-compatible format, the format conversion module configured to sendthe first data unit in the PoE-compatible format and the second dataunit in the PoE-compatible format to a wireless access point (WAP)disposed within a second housing physically distinct from the firsthousing via a connection having a third communication medium.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the first communication medium is one ofan optical fiber medium, a coaxial cable medium, or a digital subscriberline (DSL) medium, the second communication medium is one of an opticalfiber medium, a coaxial cable medium, or a digital subscriber line (DSL)medium, the third communication medium is an Ethernet medium.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein, the format conversion module isconfigured to send the first data unit in the PoE-compatible format andthe second data unit in the PoE-compatible format to the WAP via a thirdport.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the format conversion moduleis disposed within a housing including at least a portion of the firstport and at least a portion of the second port.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the first communication medium is a coaxial cablemedium and the format conversion module includes a cable modem.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the format conversion module is configuredto send the first data unit in the PoE-compatible format to the WAP viaa third port configured to provide power in a PoE format to the WAP. 14.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the data unit in the firstcommunication format is a first data unit in the first communicationformat, the format conversion module configured to receive, from theWAP, a third data unit in the PoE-compatible format, the formatconversion module configured to convert the third data unit in thePoE-compatible format to a second data unit in the first communicationformat based on an indicator in the third data unit in thePoE-compatible format, the format conversion module configured to sendthe second data unit in the first communication format to the firstport.
 15. A method, comprising: receiving, from a first port operablycoupled to a cable having a first communication medium, a data unit in afirst communication format incompatible with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)and associated with the first communication medium; receiving, from asecond port operably coupled to a cable having a second communicationmedium different from the first communication medium, a data unit in asecond communication format incompatible with POE associated with thesecond communication medium; defining, based on the data unit in thefirst communication format and at a format conversion module of aprocessor, a first data unit in a PoE-compatible format associated witha third communication medium, the format conversion module including aplurality of conversion sub-modules, each conversion sub-module from theplurality of conversion sub-modules configured to convert data of acommunication format that is different from a communication format ofeach of the remaining sub-modules from the plurality of conversionsub-modules; defining, based on the data unit in the secondcommunication format and at a conversion sub-module from the pluralityof conversion sub-modules of the format conversion module that isassociated with the first communication format, a second data unit inthe PoE-compatible format; sending the first data unit in thePoE-compatible format to a wireless access point (WAP) disposed in asecond housing physically distinct from the first housing, such that theWAP transmits the first data unit in the PoE-compatible format; andsending the second data unit in the PoE-compatible format to the WAPsuch that the WAP transmits the second data unit in the PoE-compatibleformat.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the sending the first dataunit in the PoE-compatible format includes sending the first data unitin the PoE-compatible format to the WAP via a third port, the third portbeing associated with the PoE-compatible format.
 17. The method of claim15, wherein the first communication medium is one of an optical fibermedium, a coaxial cable medium, or a digital subscriber line (DSL)medium, the second communication medium is one of an optical fibermedium, a coaxial cable medium, or a digital subscriber line (DSL)medium, the third communication medium is an Ethernet medium.
 18. Themethod of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the first port isdisposed within a housing, at least a portion of the second port isdisposed within the housing, the format conversion module is disposedwithin the housing.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the firstcommunication medium is a coaxial cable medium and the format conversionmodule includes a cable modem.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein thesending the first data unit includes sending the first data unit to theWAP via a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port.